Garment For An Echocardiographic Patient

ABSTRACT

An examination garment for covering a patient&#39;s torso during a medical examination. The garment includes a front panel having an access opening defined there through to provide access to an area of a patient&#39;s torso. The garment additionally includes a back panel connected to the front panel and a flap connected to the front panel for covering the access opening. The flap is connected to the front panel along a top edge of the flap and along at least a portion of one side edge of the flap such that when the patient is lying on her/his side and the flap is placed in a Closed position, the flap will maintain a disposition over the access opening and will not fall open toward the patient&#39;s lower side, thereby maintaining coverage and concealment of the access opening and the patient&#39;s chest as the patient lies on her/his side.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application No. 12/618,199 filed on Nov. 13, 2009. The disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present teaching relate to an examination garment to be worn by a patient during a medical examination.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a patient garment, and in particular, relates to a garment configured to highlight the intercostal area of a patient during an echocardiographic examination using ultrasound imaging.

Patients in hospitals, clinics, or doctors' offices are typically provided with garments in an effort to help patients maintain their privacy and modesty during examinations. A much used and well known garment has a split-open, dual rear section back, a solid-closed front, and dual short sleeves, made of a single sheet of cloth material. The garment is secured by drawing together one or more vertically spaced-apart ties that extend from opposite edges of the two rear sections of the split-open back, and by tying the drawn ties into bows.

The rear opening of commercially available garments provides direct access for examination of underlying posterior areas of a patient. However, to examine a frontal portion of a patient's torso, it may be required for the patient to at least partially remove the garment to expose the desired area for examination. In such case, the patient is subjected to a more intrusive exposure than that required simply to complete the examination.

For routine medical examinations, should medical personnel need to examine, e.g. a portion of the patient's front left torso, the patient is required to remove the left sleeve of the garment, essentially unflap their entire upper left quadrant, to provide unrestricted visible access to the medical personnel. In such case, the patient is required to expose a significant portion of their body simply to provide access to a frontal site.

During an echocardiograph examination, the patient is positioned in the supine position. Typically, the patient is positioned in the left lateral decubitus position and, occasionally, in the right lateral decubitus position. This left lateral approach uses gravity, bringing more of the heart to the left of the sternum and facilitating the recording of most intracardiac echoes.

Once the patient is properly positioned, the medical personnel then position the ultrasound probe on the patient's torso, e.g., the patient's chest, for an echo reading. In order to create images for a proper reading, the probe must be positioned to contact the bare skin of the patient. Accordingly, the garment is either removed or opened to expose the patient's torso (FIG. 1). Existing garments expose the patient's breast or impede the quick access needed for imaging the targeted areas immediately after exercise for a stress echocardiogram.

After the echocardiograph reading, the patient undergoes a stress test such as running on a treadmill. Stress echocardiography is used to determine the presence of significant coronary artery disease. Subsequent the stress test, the medical personnel has only 90 seconds to properly place the patient in the supine position, handle and position the probe and place the probe in the proper position on the patient's torso, e.g., the patient's chest, for the post-stress reading.

Due to the critical, but yet short, time period between the stress test and the echocardiograph reading, the patient typically wears the existing garment with the torso portion open during the stress test. Some patients even perform the stress test topless. The patient exposes the torso during the stress test to minimize the time for the medical personnel to properly position the ultrasound probe on the patient's torso, e.g., the patient's chest. Accordingly, the exposed torso assists the medical personnel in acquiring the echocardiographic images within the 90 second time frame.

Performing the stress test while exposing the torso, however, causes the patient anguish from coldness and drafts in the room, or by unnecessarily compromising their modesty and privacy. Accordingly, patients and medical personnel require a garment that substantially covers the torso during a stress test and subsequent imaging; but, highlights, targets and allows access to a portion of the torso in a time efficient and convenient manner to the medical personnel for a post-stress, echocardiographic reading.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides an examination garment for covering a patient's torso during a medical examination, wherein the garment includes a front panel having an access opening defined there through. The access opening is positioned on the front panel such that, when a patient wears the garment, the access opening will provide access to an area of a patient's torso. The garment additionally includes a back panel connected along a top edge to the front panel and a flap connected to the front panel and configured to cover the access opening. The flap is connected to the front panel along a top edge of the flap and along at least a portion of one side edge of the flap such that when the flap is placed in an Open position, the flap will fold diagonally up toward the patient's shoulder exposing the access opening, and when the patient is lying on her/his side and the flap is placed in a Closed position, the flap will maintain a disposition over the access opening and will not fall open toward the patient's lower side, thereby maintaining coverage and concealment of the access opening and the patient's chest as the patient lies on her/his side.

The present disclosure also relates to a method of highlighting, targeting and exposing the intercostal area of a patient during an echocardiograph examination.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a patient wearing a known examination garment illustrating that the garment opens in the front such that the patient's chest/breasts are exposed during an echocardiographic examination.

FIG. 2 illustrates a plan view of an examination garment for a medical patient, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the garment shown in FIG. 2 illustrating an access opening, a privacy flap and a monitor pocket disposed on a back side of the privacy flap for holding a cardiac monitoring device, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates a front view of patient wearing the garment shown in FIG. 2 while undergoing a stress test, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates the privacy flap of the garment shown in FIG. 2 in an ‘Open’ position revealing the monitor pocket disposed on the back side of the privacy flap as a patient wearing the garment lies on her/his side during an echocardiographic examination in which an echocardiographic probe is positioned on the patient's chest via the access opening, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates the echocardiographic probe positioned under the privacy flap and within the access opening when the privacy flap is placed in a ‘Closed’ position, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 illustrates the echocardiographic probe inserted through a side opening of the garment shown in FIG. 2, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 illustrates a front view of a full length embodiment of the garment shown in FIG. 2, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of the full length garment shown in FIG. 8 wherein the access opening is narrow and elongated, in accordance with other embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 illustrates a plan view of the garment shown in FIG. 9 wherein the monitor pocket is centered on the back of the privacy flap, in accordance with various other embodiments of the present disclosure.

Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several figures of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the present teachings, application, or uses. Throughout this specification, like reference numerals will be used to refer to like elements.

Referring to FIGS. 2 through 11, the present disclosure provides an examination garment 10 to be worn by a patient during a medical examination. Generally, the garment 10 can be used for any medical examination, however, for purposes of illustration only, the garment 10 will be described herein, with regard to being worn by a patient during an echocardiographic examination. Components of the garment 10 can have a variety of cross sectional shapes such as elliptical, oval, circular, triangular, square, rectangular or other appropriate geometric configuration. The garment 10 can be constructed in various sizes to accommodate patients of any size and to accommodate right handed or left handed medical personnel during the echocardiographic examination.

The ability to obtain a high-quality echocardiographic recording is an important factor in determining how useful an echocardiographic examination will be. No matter how expertly one interprets echocardiograms, it is not possible to obtain useful information from an inadequate examination, and examinations must be customized for each patient. Medical personnel cannot place an echocardiographic probe 39, sometimes referred to as a transducer, on a patient's chest at specific locations, as is done with adhesive echocardiographic leads, and hope that the recording will be comparable from one patient to another. Echocardiographic examinations have become a highly sophisticated in technique and require the medical medical personnel to possess experience, skill, and an understanding of the requirements for a high quality and useful echocardiogram.

Almost all echocardiographic examinations are done with the patient in some variation of the supine position. Occasionally, the patient is flat, but more often the patient is in the left lateral decubitus position and, occasionally, in the right lateral decubitus position. The left lateral approach uses gravity to bring more of the heart to the left of the sternum, which can facilitate the recording of most intracardiac echoes. The most common place to begin an examination is along the left sternal border, which has been designated as the left parasternal or simply parasternal, with the patient in the left lateral decubitus position.

The right parasternal window, however, can be particularly helpful in looking at the aorta or the interatrial septum. When examining from the right side of the sternum, the patient is best positioned in the right lateral decubitus. This approach is commonly used when recording blood flow across the aortic valve.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, the garment 10 generally includes a front panel 12 and a back panel 14 joined together along a common top edge 34 having a neck opening 16 disposed therein. Alternatively, the garment 10 can be described as a single, folded over and contiguous panel having the neck opening 16 disposed therein. In various implementations, the neck opening 16 can be oval shaped, its longer axis being aligned with that of the top edge 34. In various embodiments, the neck opening 16 has a size ranging from about 5 inches wide to about 10 inches wide and from about 4 inches long to about 10 inches long. Additionally, in various embodiments, the front panel 12 and back panel 14 can have sizes ranging from about 14 inches wide to about 30 inches wide and from about 18 inches long to about 30 inches long.

The front panel 12 has a front top edge 18, a front bottom edge 20, a front left side 22 and a front right side 24. When the garment 10 is worn by a patient, the front panel 12 substantially covers the front of the patient's torso. In particular, the front panel 12 covers the patient's sternum and intercostal areas. As is known the medical field, the external intercostal muscles originate at ribs #1-11 and have their insertion on ribs #2-12, while the internal intercostal muscles originate at ribs #2-12 and have their insertion on ribs #1-11, and the area generally defined by the 3^(rd rib and) 5^(th) rib is often referred to as the area between the 3^(rd) intercostal area and the 5^(th) intercostal area of the patient's torso.

The back panel 14 has a back top edge 26, a back bottom edge 28, a back left side 30 and a back right side 32. The back top edge 26 connects to the front top edge 18 along the common top edge 34. When the garment 10 is worn by a patient, the back panel 14 substantially covers the patient's back area. As described above, the front panel 12 and the back panel 14 connect to each other along the common top edge 34, however, the front and back left sides 22 and 30 and the front and back right sides 24 and 32 are independent of each other. Accordingly, when the garment 10 is worn by a patient, a left side opening 36 (shown in FIGS. 5 and 6) exists between the front and back left sides 22 and 30, and a right side opening 38 exists between the front and back right sides 24 and 32. The left and right side openings 36 and 38 are provided at left and right sides of a garment 10, respectively, and are configured to provide openings through which a medical personnel can insert the echocardiographic probe 39 and access to the patient's torso.

Although the garment 10 is generally described and illustrated as being sleeveless, it is envisioned that in various embodiments the garment 10 can include sleeves disposed at the top of the left and right side openings 36 and 38. In various implementations the front and back left sides 22 and 30 and the front and back right sides 24 and 32 can be held substantially closed or overlapping by opposing fasteners 40 disposed at one or more locations along the front and back left sides 22 and 30 and the front and back right sides 24 and 32. In various embodiments, the fasteners 40 can comprise a opposing tassels attached to the front and back right sides 24 and 32 and opposing tassels attached to the front and back left sides 22 and 30. As exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 3, in various implementations, the tassels can be positioned from the top edge 34 at a distance represented by “A”, e.g., about 5 to 15 inches. The opposing tassels are configured to removably fasten with one another to close, or partially close, the respective left and right side openings 36 and 38. In various embodiments, multiple opposing pairs of tassels can be disposed along the front and back left sides 22 and 30 and the front and back right sides 24 and 32. Alternatively, the fasteners 40 can be any fastener that is suitable to support, stabilize or fasten together the front and back panels 12 and 14. In general, fasteners 40 can be any sort of structure adaptable to releasably hold an opening in a closed configuration. For example, in various embodiments, the fasteners 40 can alternatively be snaps, catches, latches, toggles, buttons, straps, strings, and hook-and-loop closures.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 3 and 5, the front panel 12 includes an access opening, i.e., an aperture, 42 defined therethrough. The access opening 42 is configured to highlight and target a specific area of the patient's torso, e.g., a specific area of the patient's chest, for an echocardiographic reading. In various embodiments, the access opening 42 can be oval-shaped having a top 44, a bottom 46 and opposing sides 48. When the garment 10 is worn by a patient, the access opening 42 is generally positioned over the sternum area of the patient. As exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 3, in various implementations, the access opening 42 can have the top 44 positioned at a distance “B” from about 2 inches to about 8 inches from the top edge 34, a width measured between the opposing sides 48 from about 2 inches two about 6 inches and a length measured between the top 44 and the bottom 46 from about 2 inches to about 8 inches.

When the garment 10 is worn by a patient, the access opening 42 generally surrounds a portion of the patient's torso between the 3^(rd) intercostal area and the 5^(th) intercostal area. Particularly, the access opening 42 highlights and targets the area between the 3^(rd) intercostal area and the 5^(th) intercostal area for the medical personnel to position the echocardiographic probe 39 during examination. More particularly, the garment 10 is structured such that the access opening 42 reveals only the area between the 3^(rd) and 5^(th) intercostal area so that the breasts of the patient remain covered and concealed. As shown in FIG. 5, the access opening 42 provides access to the proper location of the patient's torso for the probe 39 such that an echocardiographic examination can be performed without exposing the patients breasts.

Referring now to FIGS. 2, 3, 5 and 6, the garment 10 further includes a privacy flap 50 attached to the front panel 12. In various embodiments, the privacy flap 50 is removably attached to the front panel 12 of the garment 10 via a fastener (not shown) such as but not limited to a hook and loop fastener. Alternatively, in various other embodiments, the privacy flap 50 can be integrally connected, e.g., sewn, to the front panel 12. The privacy flap 50 is configured to overlap and conceal the access opening 42 when placed in a closed position (as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7). Particularly, the privacy flap 50 is moveable between an ‘Open’ position (as shown in FIG. 5), wherein the access opening 42 is exposed, and a ‘Closed’ position, wherein the access opening 42 is completely covered. As illustrated in FIG. 5, when the privacy flap 50 is in the Open position, a back side 51 of the privacy flap 50 is exposed.

In various embodiments, the privacy flap 50 can have rectangular shape with a top edge 52, a bottom edge 54 and opposing left and right side edges 56 and 57. The privacy flap 50 is generally centered on the front panel 12 such that it will cover the access opening 42 when in the Closed position. In various implementations, the top edge 52 of the privacy flap 50 is positioned at a distance “C” (shown in FIG. 3) from about 2 inches to about 7 inches from the garment top edge 34. Additionally, in various implementations, the privacy flap 50 can have a width, as measured between the opposing sides 56 and 57, from about eight inches to about 12 inches and a length, as measured between the top edge 52 and the bottom edge 54, from about 8 inches to about 12 inches.

Referring now to FIGS. 2, 5, 6 and 7, as described above, in various embodiments, the privacy flap 50 is integrally connected, e.g., sewn, to the front panel 12. Specifically, in various implementations, the privacy flap 50 can be connected, e.g., sewn, to the front panel 12 along substantially the entire top edge 52 of the privacy flap 50 and along at least a portion of one of the left or right side edges 56 or 57. For example, in various embodiments, the privacy flap can be connected to the front panel 12 along a top connection line 82 that extends across substantially the entire top edge 52 and along a side connection line 84 that extends along at least a portion of one of the left or the right side edges 56 or 57, e.g., connected along one-third, one-half, three-quarters or the entirety of the length of the left side edge 56 or the right side edge 57.

As exemplarily illustrated in FIG. 5, a portion of the left side edge 56 of the privacy flap 50 is connected, e.g., sewn, to the front panel 12 along the side connection line 84 such that when the privacy flap 50 is placed in the Open position, the privacy flap 50 will not fold straight up toward the patient's neck, i.e., toward the neck opening 16, but rather will fold diagonally up toward the patient's right shoulder. Importantly, as result of at least a portion of one of the side edges 56 or 57 of the privacy flap 50 being connected to front panel 12, when the privacy flap 50 is placed in the Closed position and the patient is lying on her/his side, the privacy flap 50 will be remain disposed over the entire access opening 42 and will not fall open toward the patient's lower side exposing the access opening 42 and the patient's chest, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. Accordingly, the connection of the privacy flap 50 to the front panel 12 along at least a portion of one of the left side edge 56 or the right side edge 57 maintains the privacy flap 50 substantially in the Closed position when the patient is lying on her/his side that is opposite the connected flap side edge 56 or 57, i.e., on her/his left side with the left side edge 56 of the privacy flap 50 connected to the front panel 12, thereby maintaining concealment of the access opening 42 and the patient's chest during examination with the probe 39, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7. Hence, the privacy flap 50 covers the access opening 42 to provide privacy to the patient as the patient undergoes the echocardiographic reading and undergoes other portions of a stress test, as will be discussed.

Referring now to FIGS. 2, 3 and 5, in various embodiments, the garment 10 further includes a monitor pocket 58 attached to the back side 51 of the privacy flap 50. In various implementations, the monitor pocket 58 can have a rectangular shape with a top 60, a bottom 62 and opposing sides 64. In various implementations, the monitor pocket 58 can have a width, as measured between opposing sides 64, from about 3 inches to about 6 inches, and a length, as measured between the top 60 and the bottom 62, from about 3 inches to about 6 inches. The monitor pocket 58 is structured and operable to hold a cardiac telemetry monitoring device, or other device (not shown).

Having the monitor pocket 58 disposed on the back side 51 of the privacy flap 50 allows the weight of the monitoring device, or other device, to be distributed across the upper portion of the front panel 12 of the garment 10. Particularly, as described above, the privacy flap 50 is connected to the front panel 12 along substantially the entire top edge 52 of the privacy flap 50, specifically along the top connection line 82, which extends across a substantial portion of the width of the front panel 12. Therefore, when a monitoring device, or other device, is disposed within the monitor pocket 58, and the patient is in an upright position, i.e. standing or sitting up, the weight of the device will be distributed along the top connection line 82 and across a substantial portion of the upper portion of the garment front panel 12.

Accordingly, pulling stresses on the front panel 12 of the garment 10 caused by the weight of the device will be dispersed across the upper portion of the front panel 12, and more particularly across the top edge 18 of the front panel 12, i.e., along the common top edge 34 where the front and back panels 12 and 14 are connected. Importantly, distribution of the weight and dispersion of the pulling forces across the upper portion and top edge 18 of the front panel 12 allows the patient to comfortably bear, or carry, or support, the weight of the device across their chest and shoulders as opposed to uncomfortably bearing/carrying/supporting the weight of the device across the back of their neck, as would be the case if the monitor pocket 58 were disposed on the front panel 12 of the garment 10.

That is, if the monitor pocket 58 were attached to the garment front panel 12 the pulling forces on the front panel 12, caused by the weight of the device disposed therein, would be focused on a small portion of the upper portion of the front panel 12 and not dispersed across a wide area of the upper portion of the front panel 12. For example, if the monitor pocket were attached to the garment front panel 12, generally centered between the front panel left and right sides 22 and 24, the pulling forces would be focused on the neck opening 16 causing the patient to uncomfortably bear/carry/support the weight of the device with their neck. However, as described above, the monitor pocket 58 of the garment 10 is attached on the back side 51 of the privacy flap 50 such that the pulling forces caused by the weight of a device disposed in the monitor pocket 58 will be dispersed across a substantial portion of the width of the upper portion of the front panel 12 allowing the weight to be comfortably borne across the patient's chest and shoulders.

It is envisioned that in various embodiments the monitor pocket 58 can be attached to a front side 53 (shown in FIG. 2) of the privacy flap 50 and provide the same pulling stress relief functionality described above with regard to the monitor pocket being attached to the back side 51 of the privacy flap 50.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 through 11, the garment 10 can be manufactured from any sort of drapable cloth-like material, including without limitation: cloth made from any material, plastic, paper, natural and synthetic fiber, and the like. In various embodiments, the garment 10 can be manufactured from a durable cloth material yhat can be laundered for reuse. However, alternate materials can be employed for single sterile use prior to disposal. One material that is suitable for construction of the garment 10 is poly-cotton blend. Tables 1-5 below illustrate embodiments of the garment 10 for varying sized patients.

TABLE 1 Average Adult Component Position From Top Edge 34 Dimensions Access “C” Dimension = 6½ inches Oval Shape - 4 inches Opening 42 from the top edge 34 wide × 6 inches long oval shape Privacy flap 50 “B” Dimension = 5½ inches Square Shape - 12 from the top edge 34 inches × 12 inches Neck Opening 9 inches wide × 8 inches 16 long oval shape Front Panel 12 27 inches wide × 25½ inches long Fastener 40 “A” Dimension = 11 inches from top edge 34

TABLE 2 Extra Large Adult Component Position From Top Edge 34 Dimensions Access “C” Dimension = 6½ inches Oval Shape - 4 inches Opening 42 from the top edge 34 wide × 6 inches long oval shape Privacy flap “B” Dimension = 5½ inches Square Shape - 12 50 from the top edge 34 inches × 12 inches Neck 9 inches wide × 8 inches Opening 16 long oval shape Front Panel 37½ inches wide × 28½ 12 inches long Fastener 40 “A” Dimension = 14 inches from top edge 34

TABLE 3 Small Adult/Teen Component Position From Top Edge 34 Dimensions Access “C” Dimension = 6½ inches Oval Shape - 4 inches Opening 42 from the top edge 34 wide × 6 inches long oval shape Privacy flap 50 “B” Dimension = 4 inches Square Shape - 10 from the top edge 34 inches × 10 inches Neck Opening 9 inches wide × 8 inches 16 long oval shape Front Panel 12 23 inches wide × 23 inches long Fastener 40 “A” Dimension = 11 inches from top edge 34

TABLE 4 Average Child Component Position From Top Edge 34 Dimensions Access “C” Dimension = 4½ inches Oval Shape - 3 inches Opening 42 from the top edge 34 wide × 4 inches long oval shape Privacy flap 50 “B” Dimension = 4 inches Square Shape - 10 from the top edge 34 inches × 10 inches Neck Opening 7 inches wide × 6 inches 16 long oval shape Front Panel 12 18 inches wide × 18 inches long Fastener 40 “A” Dimension = 9 inches from top edge 34

TABLE 5 Small Child Component Position From Top Edge 34 Dimensions Access “C” Dimension = 3½ inches Oval Shape - 3 inches Opening 42 from the top edge 34 wide × 3½ inches long oval shape Privacy flap 50 “B” Dimension = 3 inches Square Shape - 9 from the top edge 34 inches × 9 inches Neck Opening 7 inches wide × 5 inches 16 long oval shape Front Panel 12 16 inches wide × 16 inches long Fastener 40 “A” Dimension = 7 inches from top edge 34

The noted dimensions are representative of various exemplary embodiments and not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Many other dimensions can also function well; and it is anticipated that, for different sized patients or different types of examinations, other dimensions can be suitable as well.

During use of the garment 10, the patient inserts their head through the neck opening 16. The front panel 12 substantially covers the front of the patient's torso and the back panel 14 substantially covers the patient's back. Once the garment 10 is donned, the access opening 42 will be positioned over the patient's sternum providing access from approximately the 3^(rd) intercostal area to the 5^(th) intercostal area of the patient. The access opening 42 highlights and targets the intercostal areas of the patient's torso. In particular, the access opening 42 provides access to the 3^(rd) intercostal area to the 5^(th) intercostal area of the patient.

After the patient puts the garment 10 on, the medical personnel places the patient in the supine position. As described above, due the privacy flap 50 being connected along at least a portion of one of the left or right side edges 56 or 57, the privacy flap 50 continuously covers the access opening 42 to provide privacy to the patient while in the supine position, i.e., when the patient is lying on her/his side. Subsequently, the medical personnel can insert the probe 39 under the privacy flap 50 and through the access opening 42 such that the privacy flap 50 maintains concealment of the patient's chest. The access opening 42 highlights a portion of the patient's torso, particularly; the access opening allows access to a discreet portion of the patient's chest. The access opening 42 assists in directing the medical personnel to properly position the probe 39 on the patient's chest during the examination.

During the examination, the medical personnel positions the probe 39 through the access opening 42 so that the probe 39 contacts the patient's chest. As described above and illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, connection of the privacy flap 50 along at least a portion the appropriate flap left or right side 56 or 57 maintains the privacy flap 50 in the closed position such that the privacy flap 50 covers and conceals the probe 39, the medical personnel's hand and the access opening 42 to provide privacy to the patient during the examination. Accordingly, during the examination, the garment 10 covers the patient's breasts, thereby maintaining privacy for the patient.

For a particular examination, the medical personnel can also insert the probe 39 through either the left side opening 36 or right side opening 38 of the garment 10 to contact other areas of the patient's torso. For example, the medical personnel can insert the probe 39 through the right side opening 38 to contact the apical areas located under the patient's breast without exposing the breast. Importantly, as described above, the front panel 12 and privacy flap 50 cover and conceal the front portion of the patient's torso to maintain privacy of the patient during examination. During this procedure, the medical personnel can also leave the patient's cardiac telemetry monitor disposed in the monitor pocket 58.

After the echocardiographic examination for obtaining rest images, the patient performs a stress test while wearing the garment 10. During the stress test, the front panel 12 and privacy flap 50 maintain provision of patient privacy by covering the patient's breast. Typically, the patient runs on a treadmill for a predetermined amount of time. Particularly, the privacy flap 50 covers the access opening 42 while the patient runs on the treadmill. That is, the privacy flap 50 covers the portion of the torso, i.e., the chest, that is accessible via the access opening 42 to provide privacy to the patient during the stress test.

Upon completion of the stress test, the patient returns to the supine position lying on her/his left or right side. Since the access opening 42 highlights and provides access to the preferred area of the patient's chest, the access opening 42 targets the probe 39 against the preferred area, e.g., the area between the 3rd intercostal area and the 5th intercostal area. The access opening 42 assists medical personnel in obtaining and echocardiographic reading within a 90 second time window. During the examination, the medical personnel positions the probe 39 under the closed privacy flap 50 and through the access opening 42 so that the probe 39 contacts the patient's torso, i.e., the patient's chest. Again, as described above, in the closed position, the privacy flap 50 covers the probe 39, the medical personnel's hand and the access opening 42 to provide privacy to the patient during the entire stress test and examination.

For imaging of apical views located under the left breast, the medical personnel can conveniently insert the probe 39 through the right side opening 38. Since the opening 38 exists between the front panel 12 and back panel 14, the opening 38 assists the medical personnel in targeting the probe 39 on the apical area of the patient.

Thus, the access opening 42 of the garment 10 allows access to both sides of the sternum to obtain echocardiographic images from the parasternal windows. The access opening 42 or side openings 36, 38 provide access to the apical window. Quick and convenient access to the left parasternal and apical windows are imperative for the successful completion of imaging within the required time limit of 90 seconds after the stress test since some distal coronary artery lesions can recover within the first 15 seconds after the stress test has been completed. Images obtained after 90 seconds from the stress test are considered invalid for the purposes of interpretation as post exercise images in determining the presence of significant coronary artery disease. The access opening 42 over the 3^(rd) to 5^(th) intercostal areas allows the medical personnel to quickly identify and target the area for probe placement for completing the imaging within the 90 seconds.

Some stress tests are chemically induced and require intravenous (“IV”) access. The front panel 12 and back panel 14, which are separated by loosening fasteners 40, allow for convenient putting on and pulling off the garment 10 while maintaining IV access. Additionally, some echocardiographic images need contrast enhancement which also requires IV access. Still further, during the stress test or during the echocardiographic examination of the patient, if the patient experiences cardiac arrest, the medical personnel can easily unloosen the fastener 40 remove the front panel 12 and/or move privacy flap 50 to expose the front portion of the torso for proper medical procedures.

Turning to FIG. 8, in various embodiments, the garment 10 can comprise a full length garment, referred to herein as garment 66, wherein a front panel 68 and a back panel (not shown) are connected together along the sides and along a common top edge. The back panel is separated to provide overlapping tie closures that allow the patient to put on and take off the gown. The garment 66 includes a neck opening 72, an access opening 74 and a privacy flap 76. The garment 66 also includes a side access opening 74. The side access opening 74 is configured to allow access by the echocardiographic probe 39 to the sides of the patient's torso. As shown, the garment 66 further includes snap fasteners 80 positioned along the top edge areas of the garment 66. These snap fasteners 80 allow access to the patient's upper body should the patient experience cardiac arrest during the stress test. In various implementations, the garment 66 further includes a monitor pocket 81 attached to the back side of the privacy flap 76 for holding a cardiac telemetry monitoring device, or other device. The dimensions for garment 10, described above, can also be used for garment 66. The size, shape and functionality of the access opening 74, the privacy flap 76 and the monitor pocket 81 are substantially the same as those of access opening 42, privacy flap 50 and monitor pocket 58 described above.

Turning to FIG. 9, in various other embodiments, the garment 10 can comprise a full length garment, referred to herein as garment 83, wherein a front panel 84 and a back panel 85 are connected together along a common top edge and along opposing sides. In such embodiments, the garment 83 includes a neck opening 86, an access opening 88, a privacy flap 90 and a side access opening 92. The side access opening 92 is configured to allow access by the echocardiographic probe to the sides of the patient's torso. As shown, the garment 83 further includes snap fasteners 94 positioned along the top edge areas of the garment 83. These snap fasteners 94 allow access to the patient's upper body should the patient experience cardiac arrest during the stress test. Additionally, the garment 83 further includes a monitor pocket 96 attached to the back side of the privacy flap 90 for holding a cardiac telemetry monitoring device, or other device. Furthermore, in such embodiments, the access opening 88 is an elongated slit generally positioned over the sternum area of the patient. The top of the access opening 88 can be positioned at a distance from about 2 inches to about 8 inches from the top edge of garment 83 and can have a width such that the sides of the slit freely touch each other, the slit is exaggerated in FIG. 9 for purposes of clarity. The access opening 88, i.e., the slit, can have a length, as measured between the top and the bottom of the front panel 84, from about 2 inches to about 30 inches. The functionality of the access opening 88, the privacy flap 90 and the monitor pocket 96 are substantially the same as those of access opening 42, privacy flap 50 and monitor pocket 58 described above.

Turning to FIG. 10, in various other embodiments, the garment 10 can comprise shirt-like garment, referred to herein as garment 98. In such embodiments, the garment 98 includes a front panel 100 connected to a back panel 102 along a common top, a neck opening 104, an access opening 106 and a privacy flap 108. The garment 98 additionally includes a monitor pocket 110 attached to the back side of the privacy flap 108 for holding a cardiac telemetry monitoring device, or other device. The access opening 106 comprises an elongated slit and is generally positioned over the sternum area of the patient. The access opening 106 highlights and targets the torso areas for the medical personnel to position the echocardiographic probe during examination. The top of the access opening 106 can be positioned at a distance from about 2 inches to about 8 inches from the top edge of garment 98. The access opening 106 can have a width such that the sides of the slit freely touch each other. As shown in FIG. 10, the slit is exaggerated for purposes of clarity. The access opening 106 can have a length, as measured between the top and the bottom of the front panel 100, from about 2 inches to about 30 inches. The functionality of the access opening 106, the privacy flap 108 and the monitor pocket 110 are substantially the same as those of access opening 42, privacy flap 50 and monitor pocket 58 described above.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the disclosure are achieved and other advantageous results are obtained. As various changes could be made in the above constructions without departing from the scope of the disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. 

1. An examination garment for covering a patient's torso during a medical examination, said garment comprising: a front panel having a front top edge, a front bottom edge, a front left side and a front right side, the front panel having an access opening defined there through, the access opening positioned on the front panel such that, when a patient wears the garment, the access opening will provide access to an area of a patient's torso between a 3^(rd) intercostal area and a 5^(th) intercostal area; a back panel having a back top edge that is connected to the front top edge, a back bottom edge, a back left side and a back right side; and a flap connected to the front panel along a top edge of the flap and along at least a portion of one side edge of the flap such that when the flap is placed in an Open position, the flap will fold diagonally up toward the patient's shoulder exposing the access opening, and when the patient is lying on her/his side and the flap is placed in a Closed position, the flap will maintain a disposition over the access opening and will not fall open toward the patient's lower side, thereby maintaining coverage and concealment of the access opening and the patient's chest as the patient lies on her/his side.
 2. The garment of claim 1 wherein the access opening is oval shape having a top, a bottom and opposing sides.
 3. The garment of claim 2 wherein the access opening has a width as measured between the opposing sides of about 2 inches to about 6 inches.
 4. The garment of claim 2 wherein the access opening has a length as measured between the top and the bottom of about 2 inches to about 8 inches.
 5. The garment of claim 2 wherein the top of the access opening is positioned from the front top edge at a distance of about 2 inches to about 8 inches.
 6. The garment of 1 further comprising a fastener structured to connect together one of the front left and right sides with a corresponding one of the back left and right sides, wherein the fastener is positioned from the front top edge at a distance of about 7 inches to about 15 inches.
 7. The garment of claim 1 wherein the flap is positioned from the top edge at a distance of about 3 inches to about 7 inches.
 8. The garment of claim 1 further comprising a pocket attached to the front panel at a positioned below the access opening.
 9. The garment of claim 1, wherein the flap connected to the front panel along approximately one-third of the length of the one side edge of the flap.
 10. The garment of claim 1, wherein the flap connected to the front panel along approximately three-quarters of the length of the one side edge of the flap.
 11. The garment of claim 1, wherein the flap connected to the front panel along approximately the entire length of the one side edge of the flap.
 12. An examination garment for covering a patient's torso during a medical examination, said garment comprising: a front panel having a front top edge, a front bottom edge, a front left side and a front right side, the front panel having an access opening defined there through such that when a patient wears the garment, the access opening will provide access to an area of the patient's torso between a 3^(rd) intercostal area and a 5^(th) intercostal area; a back panel having a back top edge that is connected to the front top edge, a back bottom edge, a back left side and a back right side; a plurality of fasteners connected to one of the front left and right sides and the corresponding one of the back left and right sides, the fastener structured to connect together the front panel and the back panel; and a flap connected to the front panel along a top edge of the flap and along at least a portion of one side edge of the flap such that when the flap is placed in an Open position, the flap will fold diagonally up toward the patient's shoulder exposing the access opening, and when the patient is lying on her/his side and the flap is placed in a Closed position, the flap will maintain a disposition over the access opening and will not fall open toward the patient's lower side, thereby maintaining coverage and concealment of the access opening and the patient's chest as the patient lies on her/his side.
 13. The garment of claim 12 wherein the access opening is oval shape having a top, a bottom and opposing sides.
 14. The garment of claim 13 wherein the access opening has a width as measured between the opposing sides of the opening of about 2 inches to about 6 inches.
 15. (canceled)
 15. The garment of claim 12 further comprising a pocket attached to the front panel at a positioned below the access opening.
 16. The garment of claim 12, wherein the flap connected to the front panel along approximately one-third of the length of the one side edge of the flap.
 17. The garment of claim 12, wherein the flap connected to the front panel along approximately three-quarters of the length of the one side edge of the flap.
 18. The garment of claim 12, wherein the flap connected to the front panel along approximately the entire length of the one side edge of the flap.
 19. A method of providing access to the intercostal area of a patient during an medical examination, said method comprising: providing a garment having a front panel and a back panel; putting the garment on the patient such that the front panel covers the torso of the patient and the back panel covers the back of the patient; fastening together the front panel and the back panel; and inserting an echocardiographic probe under a flap connected to the front panel and through an access opening disposed within the front panel and structured to provide access to the patient's chest between the 3^(rd) intercostal area and the 5^(th) intercostal area, wherein the flap is connected to the front panel along a top edge of the flap and along at least a portion of one side edge of the flap such that when the flap is placed in an Open position, the flap will fold diagonally up toward the patient's shoulder exposing the access opening, and when the patient is lying on her/his side and the flap is placed in a Closed position, the flap will maintain a disposition over the access opening and will not fall open toward the patient's lower side, thereby maintaining coverage and concealment of the access opening and the patient's chest as the patient lies on her/his side.
 20. The method of claim 19 wherein fastening the front panel and the back panel comprises fastening the panels in a configuration that exposes an opening between the front panel and the back panel. 